Lies stop us from growing
We have to say no to what is not true. But first we have realize and admit what the lies are.
One of the lies is this: we think we suffer less by not confronting, not challenging, not making the effort to correct the lies we live with. We don’t. Lies kill. They kill our spirits. They kill our vision of ourselves, others, and the world. They stop our growth. They steal away true joy, peace of mind, and power. How’s that for suffering?
Here are some of the lies I walked out of my childhood (1960s and 70s) believing; or, if not actively believing, at least not examining enough to see how they worked to perpetuate existing inequalities (which are essentially lies):
I am only of value if I am pretty and thin;
Being liberal is a sign of naivete and ignorance;
Women are more attractive if they “need” men.
Black people have just as many opportunities as I do (and maybe even more due to affirmative action).
It is important for me to do everything in my power to confront and correct these lies, not only in myself but in the wider world, as much as I can. Living as if these lies are correct may get me ahead in some environments, but that getting ahead is destructive to me and to everyone else!
I am of great value, no matter my size or look!
I am liberal and mature and intelligent.
We all need one another, but proper “need” is a recognition that we are social beings who benefit from helping and loving one another.
Black people have nowhere near the opportunities I had; yes, even as an abused female.
Not only is admission and correction necessary, but it does us worlds of good to examine all the myriad ways these lies have slipped into the perspectives we hold, the expectations we have, the systems we’ve set up, the ways we think, believe, educate, and carry out our lives.
Correcting lies is well worth the effort. We cannot grow as individuals nor as community without doing so.
Reflection
What are some of the lies you carried from childhood into adulthood? How are they impacting your ability to grow?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to see all the ways lies keep us still and stagnant. Give us the courage to confront these lies and examine the ways we’ve allowed them to be a part of the way we live. Lies are disempowering, destructive, and deadly. Give us wisdom and grace, Lord. May we choose truth. May we choose you! Amen.